Flowers in Tender Bloom by Norman Rockwell

1955 Four Seasons Calendar Illustration

Flowers in Tender Bloom by Norman Rockwell appeared in the 1955 Four Seasons calendar.

This illustration was the second or spring installment of one of Norman Rockwell's best loved calendar series, The Four Ages of Love. The official title of the painting is Courting Couple.

The Four Seasons calendar was published and distributed by Brown and Bigelow. Brown and Bigelow ran the series for seventeen years, starting in 1948 with the classic, Grandpa and Me, and ending with the Salesman series in 1964.

Rockwell conceived the Four Seasons series himself, which made painting the illustrations more enjoyable. He was also able to choose his subject matter himself. This also added to his profesional satisfaction with the series as well.

Flowers in Tender Bloom or Courting Couple

This painting is a collector favorite.

We are treated to a private glimpse of a young couple spending an all-too-brief moment alone in a world of their own making. Sitting on a hill under an apple tree, they seem completely engrossed in enjoying each other's company.

The lady, in her pink splendor, is also enjoying a basketful and a handful of daisies. Did her beau pick these for her? Did he buy them for her? Or have they been picking wildflowers together prior to sitting under the tree?

The moment appears to be leading to a kiss and perhaps even a promise of more memories to be made.

The gentleman is certainly dressed in his courting suit. He wants his love to continue to be impressed with him even after she becomes more familiar with him. Familiarity can breed a deep and abiding love.

Notice the gentleman's cane. The cane recurs in both the summer and autumn paintings in this series.

We know from the other paintings in the series that this couple stays together for a long time, through old age. This scene is but one of many memories that they will enjoy through their years together.

This painting makes a perfect gift for anyone experiencing this kind of love or anyone who enjoys remembering this kind of love. Norman Rockwell knew how to evoke tender feelings with his works.